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    Evidence of two-dimensional flat band at the surface of antiferromagnetic kagome metal FeSn
    ([London] : Nature Publishing Group UK, 2021) Han, Minyong; Inoue, Hisashi; Fang, Shiang; John, Caolan; Ye, Linda; Chan, Mun K.; Graf, David; Suzuki, Takehito; Ghimire, Madhav Prasad; Cho, Won Joon; Kaxiras, Efthimios; Checkelsky, Joseph G.
    The kagome lattice has long been regarded as a theoretical framework that connects lattice geometry to unusual singularities in electronic structure. Transition metal kagome compounds have been recently identified as a promising material platform to investigate the long-sought electronic flat band. Here we report the signature of a two-dimensional flat band at the surface of antiferromagnetic kagome metal FeSn by means of planar tunneling spectroscopy. Employing a Schottky heterointerface of FeSn and an n-type semiconductor Nb-doped SrTiO3, we observe an anomalous enhancement in tunneling conductance within a finite energy range of FeSn. Our first-principles calculations show this is consistent with a spin-polarized flat band localized at the ferromagnetic kagome layer at the Schottky interface. The spectroscopic capability to characterize the electronic structure of a kagome compound at a thin film heterointerface will provide a unique opportunity to probe flat band induced phenomena in an energy-resolved fashion with simultaneous electrical tuning of its properties. Furthermore, the exotic surface state discussed herein is expected to manifest as peculiar spin-orbit torque signals in heterostructure-based spintronic devices.